FAQs

  • Measuring power? Why?

    „The short answer is that you are simply more likely to achieve your race goals by training – and racing – with a power meter than without. It is the most effective tool you can get to go faster on a bike, “as Joe Friel puts it, an American bicycle and triathlon trainer. (see: Joefrielsblog.com)
    According to the latest scientific studies, watt-based training is the most efficient method to attain an increase in cycling performance. Training with a power meter enables you to identify your strengths and weaknesses on the bike, define individual training goals and analyze them. In comparison to measuring your pulse, a power meter gives feedback without any delay and without being dependent on exterior influences.

  • Where can I purchase a power2max power meter?

    In Europe, you can purchase power2max from the comfort of your own home at the online shop at www.power2max.com

    For our international Distributors check here

     

  • What do I have to consider when buying/selling a "second hand" power2max power meter?

    Selling a “used” / “second hand” power2max powermeter:

    – unregister your powermeter via power2max App or power2max App Portal

    – hand over all accessories ( e.g. charging cable for NG, red round registration sticker, …)

    Buying a “used” / “second hand” power2max powermeter:

    – ask for photos to check powermeter for any damages (cracks, deformation, corrosion, …)

    – always make sure NG/NGeco/PowerBox powermeter was unregistered from former owner.
    Otherwise you will not be able to maintain powermeter via free power2max App.
    → Here you can register/unregister your NG/NGeco/PowerBox: power2max App Portal

    – always buy used powermeters with a simple contract form (proof of ownership), including unit’s serial number,
    former owner, new owner, additional activated upgrades like L/R Balance, PedalSmoothness, Torque, Bluetooth Cycling Data or
    general “Power Activation” for pre-installed NGeco Cannondale BCD110 (OEM*) devices.

    – ask for additional accessories ( e.g. charging cable for NG, red round registration sticker, …)

    * NGeco Cannondale BCD 110 (OEM):
    You can identify pre-installed NGeco Cannondale BCD110 units by checking serial number label on unit’s plastic body.
    On the right of the top line, you will find an imprint “OEM A”.
    These units have to be “activated” before measuring power.
    Without “Activation” it’s just a cadence sensor. (maybe 20…30€ / 25…35$)
    Units can get activated online in our web shop → Cannondale OEM Activation
    Activation fee is 490€/590$ (one time fee).

  • Who do I contact if I have a question about power2max?

    Please contact the power2max Support Team via mail.

  • What guarantee is offered for power2max products?

    There is a two-year guarantee on all power2max products. For our power2max NG power meter (except for NG Prolog / Zielsprint); we offer a guarantee of five years. (You can find more information in the terms and conditions of the power2max GmbH).

  • How does the power2max power meter work?

    The power2max power meter is a crank spider-based power meter. It measures the power applied to pedal between the crank and chainring. Torque is measured in the power meter with a strain gauge. In addition, cadence as well as right-left distribution are determined internally. Watts are calculated internally from the torque and cadence values in a dynamic interval. The transmission of power values, cadence and right-left distribution results via ANT+ protocol or, in the case of our NG and NGeco power meters, also via Bluetooth LE on a compatible bike computer.

  • Why crank spider-based measurement? What are its advantages?

    Crank spider-based power measurement was invented by SRM (Schoberer Rad Messtechnik GmbH) in the 1980s and has remained state of the art up until the present day. The principle of crank spider-based power measurement makes it possible to simultaneously and completely determine the power introduced by both legs. As a result, this form of power measurement – when compared to one-sided measurement systems with which only the power from one leg is measured – offers far more precise and reliable power values.

  • How many strain gauges does power2max use?

    Four strain gauges are installed in the power2max Type S power meter. In the NG and NGeco power meter models, two strain gauges each are placed in a particular configuration in order to receive an even more exact measurement.

  • How precise is a power2max power meter?

    power2max Type S and NGeco power meters guarantee a precision of +/-2% when considering all exterior influences; the precision of our NG power meters is at +/-1%. power2max NG power meters are calibrated with a certified torque sensor that is verifiably accurate to 0.1%.

  • Do changes in temperature have an influence on the precision of the power values?

    Shifts in temperature while using power2max power meters only have a minimal influence on the precision of the transmitted power values and are already included in the precision values of +/- 1% and +/- 2%. Our design allows for an excellent temperature compensation (TC); in the case of the NG power meter’s TC+, it is also actively corrected.

  • Is the power2max power meter waterproof?

    Yes, power2max power meters are waterproof. Rain, snow, mud and water do not influence the power2max’s function.

  • How “old” are the power values that I see on my bike computer?

    The power values that you see on your bike computer are approximately two seconds old and are updated every second.

  • Do I have to calibrate my power2max power meter myself?

    power2max power meters are calibrated at the factory. A calibration by the user is then no longer necessary.

  • What is torque?

    Torque is a physical value that can accelerate or decelerate the rotation of a body, or can warp or bend a body. Your legs create a power on the pedals that is turned into torque by the cranks.

  • What does zero offset and Slope mean?

    The zero point is the value that the power meter measures when you are not pedaling, i.e. when there is no torque present.

    Slope describes how much the measurement changes with increasing torque.

  • Can I replace the battery on my own?

    You can replace the battery in your power2max Type S or NGeco power meter on your own. It is not necessary to recalibrate after changing the battery. An instructional video for replacing your battery in a Type S can be found here:

    Replacing a battery in a NGeco power meter is even easier; you just have to remove the battery cover and replace the battery. Make sure that the battery cap is correctly in place after the replacement.

    Our NG power meter is equipped with an internal battery and a USB port. You can charge the battery with a USB power cord (USB 2.0 and later), a USB port of a computer or laptop, or with a power pack, among others.

  • How long does the battery last in a power2max power meter?

    The internal battery of the NG power meter lasts for about 150 hours of active use. The battery in your Type S or NGeco power meter lasts about 300 to 400 hours.

  • Can I change the chainrings on my own?

    Yes, you can change the chainrings on a power2max power meter on your own. It is not necessary to recalibrate the sensor after changing chainrings.

  • Which bike computers or head units can I use with power2max?

    The power2max Type S, NG and NGeco power meters are compatible with all ANT+ bike computers with a PWR profile (power only). The performance data are transmitted from the power meter to your bike computer with the ANT+ radio protocol. In addition, the NG and NGeco power meter can also be used with Bluetooth compatible bike computers.

  • What is ANT+?

    You can find everything you need to know here: https://www.thisisant.com/consumer/ant-101/what-is-ant/

  • Do I have to manually zero my power meter before I start out?

    Before going out for a ride, it is not necessary to manually “zero” a power2max. The zero point is automatically renewed by the power2max when you stop pedaling (at least two seconds).

    A manual zeroing before going for a ride or training is only required for the power2max track power meter. It does not have the so-called “automatic zeroing function”.

  • What values can my NG power meter determine and transmit?

    The NG determines the following data: watts, cadence, left/right balance, pedal smoothness (fluid pedal stroke) (only ANT+) and torque (only BLE). The NGeco power meters can determine the same data after an upgrade.

     

    ANT+ Bluetooth (BLE)
    Power Power
    Cadence Cadence
    Left/Right Balance Left/Right Balance
    Pedal Smootheness
  • Can I continue to use my current crankset?

    You can continue to use your crankset if your bike is equipped with a two-part or modular crankset produced by the brands Rotor (models: 3D, 3D24, 3D+, 3D30, 3DF, ALDHU, VEGAST), Sram (S900-Serie, Force 22,  Force CX1, Rival 1 und Rival 22), Cannondale (SI/SISL/SISL2), PraxisWorks (from the 2018 model year), Easton (CINCH) or Specialized (S-Works /Fact).

    We have alternative solutions for all other crankset models. You can find more detailed information here: p2m-finder

     

  • What is a modular crankset?

    In the case of modular or two-part cranksets, you can separate the right crank from the spider where the chainrings are installed.

  • I have a Shimano crankset. Which power2max is right for me?

    Shimano does not offer any modular cranksets for road bikes; this is why we recommend a switch to a modular, power meter-compatible crankset with a 24mm axle such as:

    power2max NG Road with Rotor ALDHU 24 crankset

    power2max NGeco Road with Rotor ALDHU 24 crankset

    With our NG and NGeco power meters, you have the possibility to continue using your four-arm Shimano chainrings if you select the 110mm 4-S option.

     

  • Which power2max is compatible with my current bike?

    To check the compatibility, look here.

    If you are unsure which power2max power meter is compatible with your bike, then we recommend you contact the power2max Support Team.

  • Is power2max compatible with BB386EVO or BB86 frames?

    For frames with BB386EVO or BB86 bottom brackets, you should definitely check the outer diameter of the bottom bracket.

    It should not be wider than 53 mm (power2max Classic), 57mm (power2max Type S) or 59mm for NG and NGeco.

    BB386evo_BB86_frame_comp

    The power2max NG and NGeco power meters for FSA BB386EVO cranksets are compatible with all BB386EVO and BB86 frames. The compatibility of other power2max models should be checked before purchase and discussed with the power2max Support Team. For reasons having to do with specific elements of the construction, the Type S SRAM is not compatible with BB86 and BB386EVO frames.

  • Are power2max MTB power meters compatible with Q-Rings?

    The power2max Type S MTB Double models with two chainrings (bold circle diameter 110mm) are compatible with Q-rings; the power2max Type S MTB Single models (bold circle diameter 104mm) are not.

  • How do I evaluate my power data?

    There are numerous possibilities to evaluate your data. You can do the analysis locally on your computer by downloading the data from your bike computer (.fit files) to your home computer and then examine them with analysis software. Alternatively, there are various online platforms, such as Garmin Connect, Polar Flow, Strava, Strive Max, Trainingpeaks, etc. that offer an analysis of your power data online.

  • What kind of analysis software is there?

    The power2max Support Team recommends Golden Cheetah or WKO+ for a local analysis on your computer.

  • What literature is there on the subject of power measurement?

    There is plenty of literature on the subject of power measurement. To begin with the subject of power measurement, we recommend “Training and Racing with a Power Meter” by Hunter Allen. In addition, you can also find test reports, training tips and various articles on power measurement in cycling and triathlons in various blogs, e.g. those by DC Rainmaker, Hunter Allen, Joe Friel or Alex Cycle Blog.

  • Can I do without heartrate measurement if I use power?

    Hunter Allen says, „give your heart rate meaning by measuring power”. In short, it doesn’t make any sense to just train according to power levels or heart rates. Your power levels show you how strongly you actually turn the pedals; your heart rate shows you how much effort you expend to do so (how fast your heart beats). In order to improve your performance on the bike, it is recommended to always include both values in training analysis and planning.

  • What does average power and normalized power mean?

    Average power (AP) is the average power you produce during a defined period of time, e.g. a training session.

    Normalized power (NP) is an algorithmically calculated value of your power (in watts) during a defined period of time. The algorithm includes the parts of constant power output and variable or irregular power output during a (training) session in the calculation of the power output. The result – the normalized power (NP) – is an attempt to represent the physiological effort or the level of effort to reach the power in watts. For example, if you ride with constant power on an ergometer, then your normalized power is equal to your average power. If the power values vary strongly, then NP and AP also differ greatly.

  • What is the FTP?

    Functional Threshold Power (FTP) is the most power you can exert in watts on a bicycle for an hour. The FTP is used in planning training in order to define your various training power levels.

  • What is the individual anaerobic threshold (AT)?

    The individual anaerobic threshold (AT) is a physiological value that describes the intensity level at which lactate production and lactate breakdown take place at the same level. The AT and FTP are not the same values, but experience indicates that they tend to lie close to one another.

  • Should I do a performance diagnostic session before I start training with a power meter?

    It is a good idea to invest in professional performance diagnostics before training with a power meter for the first time, since diagnostics can give you an insight into your current condition and your training can then be suited to meet your specific needs.

    However, performance diagnostics are not a necessity or requirement to start training with a power meter.

  • Can I also determine my FTP on my own?

    There are numerous approaches to determining your FTP (Functional Threshold Power). The most reliable method to find out what your maximal average power for 60 minutes? Actually, ride exactly 60 minutes without stopping.

    A quicker method is, for example:

    10 – 15 minutes easy warm-up

    5 minutes maximum effort

    5 minutes easy pedaling

    20 minutes maximum effort

    20 minutes easy warm-down

     

    FTP = AP 20 min (average power of the 20-minute interval) – 5%

  • When is a power meter the right training partner for me?

    A power2max power meter is the right training partner for you if you would like to improve your performance on the bike with targeted training plans;

    • want to work on your strengths and weaknesses;
    • would like to have an indicator for the “right speed”;
    • need motivation for tougher training or if you need protection from training too hard;
    • are training for a specific goal and want to be optimally fit for the event;
    • would like to analyze your training or race data and share data with a trainer;
    • would like to improve your bike position or aerodynamics;
    • want to actively regulate your energy intake.

Get in touch

If you like to speak with us, we, the power2max Support Team, will call you back. We offer the callback service from Monday to Friday between 9am and 4 pm (CET). Please fill in the form you find below. From Monday to Friday, we will try to reach you within 48 hour, at weekends and public holidays between 72 hours.